Enercare’s corporate social responsibility program supports families in need of a fresh start

Overview

The Enercare Fresh Start Program is a signature corporate social responsibility program designed to help families transitioning from temporary shelters to a home of their own.

A key objective of the Enercare Fresh Start Program is to give back to the communities where we operate by partnering with local organizations to help disadvantaged families living in a shelter due to unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances. The Enercare Fresh Start Program helps families get back on their feet by providing personalized Fresh Start Comfort Packages containing simple necessities, small luxuries and professional home tips essential to starting a new beginning in a new home. In working with charitable partners, every package is customized to meet the needs of each recipient.

Every Enercare Fresh Start package includes a wide range of specific household items intended to help each family feel confident, safe and prepared in their new environment. Included is everything from linens and toiletries, to toys and kitchen utensils, to ensure a comfortable Fresh Start.

The Enercare Fresh Start program was developed with input from Enercare employees to ensure the program provides meaningful support to the communities where Enercare operates while also ensuring the program aligns with our brand values of being exceptional, caring and genuine.

York Region

The inaugural charity partner for the Enercare Fresh Start Program is Yellow Brick House. Servicing families in York Region, Yellow Brick House is a leader in the provision of emergency shelter,
counseling, transitional housing and supportive services to women and children who have experienced violence and abuse. In 2017 alone, over 5,000 women and children received support
from Yellow Brick House.

Since launching in September 2016, the program has provided Fresh Start kits to over 15 families who have transitioned out of Reta’s Place, a temporary shelter location for Yellow Brick House
clients. Enercare has also provided Yellow Brick House with subsidized commercial services, including the maintenance and replacement of Yellow Brick House’s heating and cooling equipment
at its shelter facility in York Region.

In 2017, Enercare was awarded with the Corporate Commitment Award at Yellow Brick House’s annual gala. The award recognizes a corporate partner who has demonstrated their commitment
to the organization’s mission and vision of providing support to women and children in York Region.

Toronto

The Enercare Fresh Start Program has partnered with Toronto-based not-for-profit organization Red Door Family Shelter to support families and individuals in need of a fresh start. Red Door Family Shelter provides emergency shelter and services to families, refugees and women who are fleeing violent situations.

The Enercare Fresh Start Program will support the Red Door Moving Program, which provides basic furniture for families when they move out of the shelter. The programs will work together to help vulnerable families settle into their new home and build a new life after experiencing homelessness.

In 2017, 15 families transitioned out of these shelters and received a personalized Enercare Fresh Start package containing essential and comfort items, including linens, hygiene products and children’s toys.

Niagara

In 2017, the Enercare Fresh Start Program established a partnership with Bethlehem Housing and Support Services, a Niagara based organization that provides affordable housing and support
services to individuals and families in Niagara.

In partnership with Bethlehem, The Enercare Fresh Start Program provided 20 families with Fresh Start Kits in 2017 and is committed to supporting another 20 families in 2018.

Additional local support is provided by Enercare’s Ontario West team who generously donates their time to volunteer with various community initiatives organized by Bethlehem.

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